Aadhaar amendment bill has been passed in the Parliament — Eight things you must know

Aadhaar card holders may use it voluntarily as an identification proof.

The Indian Parliament has passed certain changes to the existing Aadhaar Act, taking away its mandatory use provision. It means that holders of the number may use it voluntarily as an identification proof.

The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on June 24 by Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. He suggested the amendments under the Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002

“The Opposition got the Aadhaar and now they are opposing it. The first thing we did was give it a legal framework,” Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Monday during the Parliament session.

Here are 8 things about the Aadhaar amendment bill that you should know —

Voluntarily Use

The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019, passed by
Rajya Sabha through a voice vote states that authentication of any individual via Aadhar, for availing any service including opening a bank account or getting a mobile connection is not mandatory. From now on, the Indian citizens may voluntarily use the Aadhaar number in a bid to establish identity. Only a law by Parliament can make the use compulsory.

Offline Verification

According to the Aadhaar Bill, an individual can opt for ‘offline verification’ of an individual's identity.

Using Aadhaar number of children

The Bill specifically mentions seeking parent’s consent while enrolling a child to get an Aadhaar number. Moreover, parents are required to be aware of all the possible ways in which the information can be used. Parents also have the right to know the recipient of the information.

Use of Aadhaar number by state or corporate body

An entity can use Aadhaar as an identity proof, if the UIDAI is satisfied that it is complying with the regulation.
Disclosing Information

Any Aadhaar related information shall be disclosed if the High Court or Supreme Court orders to do so. Further, officers above the rank of a Secretary can order to reveal Aadhaar information.
Registering complaint

The Aadhaar Bill is going to allow individuals to take certain cases of misinformation and disclosure of identity of court. Previously, court were allowed to look into the matter only if UIDAI has registered a complaint.
Penalties for violating the law

The Bill can impose penalties upto ₹100 million along with jail term on all private entities who breach the provisions of Aadhaar Bill.

Creation of UIDAI Fund

A new Unique Identification Authority of India Fund will be created to collect all the fees and revenue by the UIDAI. These funds are likely to cover all the expenses of the UIDAI. Previously, the revenues were added to the Consolidated Fund of India.

The amendments focused on showing only the name, gender and address on the Aadhaar through the 256-bit encryption. Further, India’s law minister reiterated the idea of government to roll out a strong framework to protect data.